ought_ you hadn't grown up quite
unharmed in this house! But if you really had the true, joyous spirit
of self-sacrifice, you'd have a shot at that Wild Duck, if you died
for it!

_Hedvig_ (_slowly_). I see; you mean that my constitution's changing,
and I ought to behave as such?

_Gregers_. Exactly, I'm what Americans would term a "crank"--but _I_
believe in you, HEDVIG.

[_HEDVIG takes down the pistol from the mantelpiece, and goes
into the garret with flashing eyes; GINA comes in._

_Hialmar_ (_looking in at door with hesitation; he is unwashed and
dishevelled_). Has anybody happened to see my hat?

_Gina_. Gracious, what a sight you are! Sit down and have some
breakfast, do. [_She brings it._

_Hialmar_ (_indignantly_). What! touch food under _this_ roof? Never!
(_Helps himself to bread-and-butter and coffee._) Go and pack up my
scientific uncut books, my manuscripts, and all the best rabbits, in
my portmanteau. I am going away for ever. On second thoughts, I shall
stay in the spare room for another day or two--it won't be the same as
living with you!

[_He takes some salt meat._

_Gregers_. _Must_ you go? Just when you've got nice firm ground to
build upon--thanks to me! Then there's your great invention, too.

_Hialmar_. Everything's invented already. And I only cared about my
invention because, although it doesn't exist yet, I thought HEDVIG
believed in it, with all the strength of her sweet little shortsighted
eyes! But now I don't believe in HEDVIG!

[Illustration]

[_He pours himself out another cup of coffee._

_Gregers_ (_earnestly_). But, HIALMAR, if I can prove to you that she
is ready to sacrifice her cherished Wild Duck? See!

[_He pushes back sliding-door, and discovers HEDVIG aiming
at the Wild Duck with the butt-end of the pistol. Tableau._

_Gina_ (_excitedly_). But don't you _see_? It's the pigstol--that
fatal Norwegian weapon which, in Ibsenian dramas, _never_ shoots
straight! And she has got it by the wrong end too. She will shoot
herself!

_Gregers_ (_quietly_). She will! Let the child make amends. It will be
a most realistic and impressive finale!

_Gina_. No, no--put down the pigstol, HEDVIG. Do you hear, child?

_Hedvig_ (_still aiming_). I hear--but I shan't unless father tells me
to.

_Gregers_. HIALMAR, show the great soul I always _said_ you had.
This sorrow will set free what is noble in you. Don't spoil a fine
situation. Be a man! Let the